The agreement was reached during a working session in Beijing between the Chinese Minister of Education, Zhou Ji, and the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister-cum Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Thien Nhan, who paid an official visit to China from April 25 to May 1.

They shared experiences in carrying out education reform programmes in their respective countries and agreed to increase cooperation in tertiary education.

They inked an agreement recognising the validity and legality of certificates and diplomas issued by training institutions of the two countries.

During his stay, Mr Nhan also met with Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the People's Political Consultative Conference and Liu Yandong, State Councilor. They said that the two countries still have great potential for promoting bilateral cooperation in education-training, culture, sports, tourism and science-technology.

Mr Jia acknowledged the importance of these areas and said China will encourage its ministries, sectors and localities to boost cooperation in these areas with Vietnam.

They spoke highly of the two Premiers’ decision to observe 2010 as a Vietnam-China Friendship Year to mark the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries’ diplomatic ties. They said that this is a good chance for Vietnam and China conduct cultural, tourism and sports exchanges to promote friendship and mutual understanding.